Boeing has won its first 777-X orders for about two years and secured a new airline customer for the program with British Airways signing for up to 42 aircraft.

The airline’s parent company International Airlines Group has signed a deal for 18 777-9X and options for 24 more.

It is the first order for the 777X family of aircraft since 2017, when Singapore Airlines (SIA) signed for 20 of the type.

International Airlines Group (IAG) said on Thursday (European time) the 18 777-9X would be configured to carry 325 passengers in a four-cabin layout.

Further, the aircraft have been earmarked to replace 14 747-400s and four 777-200s in the British Airways fleet.

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said the 777-9X was the “world’s most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft”.

“It’s the ideal replacement for the Boeing 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network,” Walsh said in a statement.

“This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the Boeing 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience.”

British Airways is the last remaining European carrier flying to Europe with its own aircraft with a daily London Heathrow-Singapore-Sydney service with 777-300ER equipment.